Faith Learned, Faith Lived: A Teacher's Gift of Love

The Year of Faith is about connecting our life in ACE to a gospel story and discovering more about our life and our commitment to follow Jesus. This may seem like a challenge, but by reflecting on our experiences, we will discover God at work in our lives. Ask yourself, where is God in my life?

This is a time of hope that comes during Advent. We may be looking forward to Christmas. This is what we want to think, but our reality might be that we just want to be home with family for much-needed relaxation.

At this point in the semester, teachers are exhausted and can hardly wait to have some time off. You might be worn out—counting the days, like your students, until Christmas break. These are not the days when you are waking up in the morning and saying to your community members, or yourself, "I can hardly wait to get to school and teach. I have so much passion and enthusiasm." If, instead, you are feeling worn out, that is normal. When we put our whole heart and soul into something like teaching or ministry, it can be natural to feel tired, to need a rest.

Reflecting on this, I thought of Mark 12: 41 – 44 and Luke 21: 1 – 4. Mark's account was read at Mass on the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, and Luke's was read on the Monday of the last week in Ordinary Time. It is the story of the poor widow who puts two small coins in the Treasury. Jesus says: "I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them, for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she has to live on."

The widow gave out of her poverty. She responded to God's love by giving the only thing she had. She gave the gift of herself. I would suggest that your feelings as the semester winds down are leading you into your poverty.

It is important to see that, when we give of ourselves, we become connected to Christ. We are called to give—no matter how much we have. When we give of ourselves, we are giving an amazing gift of love to our community members and our students. Remember, during these days, because we are worn out, we are operating out of our poverty. We have the opportunity to give Christ's love. And that is the best gift that we can give.

During this season of giving, if you give from your poverty, you will give the love of Christ from the depth of your heart.

Have a restful, relaxing and blessed Christmas.